The only thing that can stop you from becoming successful is your own mindset. But if you have been holding yourself back because of your mindset then you can soon learn to change it.

So many of us have limiting beliefs, we put ourselves down or play down our abilities. If you do this you probably have a 'fixed mindset'. But did you know that your brain never stops growing? As humans we are capable of changing the neuropathways in our brain. This means that we have the potential to change old habits and beliefs at any age, and open up new opportunities for ourselves.

Fixed mindset vs growth mindset

Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University and author of 'Mindset' explains that there are two types of mindset; fixed and growth. People with a fixed mindset hold onto limiting beliefs about their potential for success, intelligence, skills and talent. They may worry about being inadequate and feel that they have something to prove to themselves and other people.

Conversely, a person with a growth mindset can see their ability to develop their qualities. They understand that with dedication and practice that they can reach their goals and achieve great things.

Professor Dweck carried out research around children and mindset. This raised many questions about how kids are being raised; Are we raising kids who don't know how to dream big dreams? Are we raising kids who are obsessed with getting A's? Are they carrying a need for constant validating with them into their future lives?

Create resilience and hardiness through 'Process Praise'

'Process Praise' doesn't mean praising intelligence or talent, that is an old technique that does not work. What we need to do is praise wisely, and this means praising the process that kids engage in; ie their effort, strategies, focus, perseverance, and improvement. Process praising creates resilience and hardiness.

As part of the research, a study was carried out on kids where they were given a maths game which rewarded process, instead of the usual type of game that rewards the right answers right now. The kids showed more effort, strategies and engagement over longer periods of time. They also showed perseverance when they came across really challenging problems.

They found that instead of rewarding the right answers right now, that the words 'yet' or 'not yet' would give the kids greater confidence. This process carves a path into the future that creates greater persistence.

Become smarter

In one study the kids were taught that every time they pushed the boundaries of their comfort zone to learn something different, the neurons in their brain have the ability to form new and stronger connections. This means that over time they can become smarter. The students who were not taught this mindset continued to decline whereas the others showed a significant rebound in their brain.

This research not only opens up new possibilities for kids, but adults who are stuck in negative belief cycles can also practice these techniques. We have the potential to change our neuropathways and create a better life for ourselves.

What would you do with new, more positive beliefs about your abilities and future?

I'll share with you what I am doing with mine... I'm learning to be an online marketer through a first class education system. The skills that I'm gaining are hugely valuable and transferable, meaning that I can take them anywhere in the world. As an adult in my forties, for the first time in a long time I'm very excited about my future.

This education system has introduced me to a completely different way of thinking - nothing weird - just positive, courageous, goal achieving type thinking that makes my life feel so much more positive than it was before. I am stretching myself in ways that I would never have thought possible and with the added value of a supportive community to help me on my way, I am carving a better path for my future.

In my next article, I will show you a 4-step process that will give you the tools to change your mindset.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, please share with your friends or leave a comment. And in case you missed my latest blog you can catch it here daydream-and-reach-your-goals